Jurgen Klopp has waxed lyrical about Moises Caicedo ahead of Liverpool's clash with Brighton. The Reds are set to welcome the Seagulls to Anfield on Sunday afternoon in the FA Cup fourth round.
With Caicedo heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and Arsenal of late, the 21-year-old will be keen to impress while under the microscope. football.london understands that the Gunners have had a £60million bid for the midfielder rejected.
It's said that Brighton are unwilling to sell Caicedo this month, with Roberto De Zerbi's side looking to secure a European competition qualification place this season. The Seagulls are believed to have had an approach for RB Leipzig star Amadou Haidara rejected so, unless they can sign a replacement for the Ecuador international, it looks unlikely that Edu will able able to wrap up deal.
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But, Arsenal are not the only horse in the race. football.london also understands that Chelsea are expected to persevere in their mission to sign Caicedo before the transfer deadline in a few days time. As it stands, it's said that Brighton have given the midfielder a price tag north of £75million.
With neither the Blues nor the Gunners yet to meet the Seagulls' asking price, Caicedo has the perfect chance to prove his worth against Liverpool on Sunday. And, Klopp has high expectations.
As quoted by Liverpool’s official YouTube channel, the German boss said: "Against Brighton especially its massively important to defend the first line.
"They are that good, with Caicedo and MacAllister, the two centre-halves calm-like, the goalie, really calm. So, they just pass the ball through it if the front three is not defending well, and that was our problem against Brighton [two weeks ago]."
With plenty of circulation regarding Caicedo's future, Roberto de Zerbi has declared that he wants his star man until the end of the season. The Brighton boss said: "He [Caicedo] is a good guy - he is focused on Brighton.
"I hope he can stay with us until the end of the season. In my opinion that is the best solution for us. I can understand other big teams want Caicedo, Mac Allister, Mitoma, and March.
"I spoke with him on Wednesday and I told him my opinion. It is always difficult to change during the season. For our way, it is important for him to stay a few more months.
"He is relaxed. I spoke with him like a father, not a coach. I understand when one player has the possibility to change to a very big team. But my work is to give the style of play but also advice for his career and his life."
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